"Deliver me from writers who say the way they live doesn't matter. I'm not sure a bad person can write a good book, If art doesn't make us better, then what on earth is it for."

—Alice Walker (b. 1944) American writer, Meridian, The Color Purple

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Your Library Card

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Getting a card, renewing materials, placing holds, etc.

Who can get a cardThe Jerseyville Public Library is supported through city property taxes. All city residents are eligible to obtain library cards for no additional fee. Library cards are valid for three years from the date issued and entitle the holder to all library services, including interlibrary loan, and may be used at any member library of the Lewis & Clark Library System.

Non-residence feesPeople living outside the city limits of Jerseyville may pay a non-resident fee, currently $140.00 annually. This fee entitles any family member living at the same address to obtain a library card. These cards may be used at the Jerseyville Public Library or at any member library of the Illinois Heartland Library System. Non-residents owning property within the city limits of Jerseyville are entitled to one library card for the parcel. These cards are valid at any IHLS member library. For a list of libraries and their phone numbers, click here.

How to Get Your CardIn order to obtain a library card, you must come in to the library. Anyone under 18 is considered a juvenile and a parent's or guardian's signature is required. Adults are encouraged to bring a form of identification with their current address on it.

Borrowing LimitsA six-month probationary period is being considered for new patrons, but has yet to go into effect. As of July 20, 2012, each patron card is limited to 5 DVDs and 5 CDs.

Placing HoldsThe easiest way to place holds in the Illinois Heartland Library System online card catalog is to login to your account first. You will need to know two things: your barcode, and your pin number. If you are unsure of your pin number or don't know if you have one, please call; we can't see what it is, but we can change it or delete it for you. You can then create a user name to use in place of your barcode number.

Once you have logged in, you can search the catalog and find the item you desire. Next click on "place request." You will need to choose a pick-up location and a not-wanted-after date, if you have a specific time frame in which it is needed. If you will be requesting several items, you may want to place your choices in a shopping cart by choosing "save records." This will allow you to request several different items at the same time rather than doing each separately.

You should receive a message that states "Your request for ... was successful."

Renewing Your Borrowed ItemsWhen you log in to your account, you will have the option of renewing your items. You can choose to renew all items or selected items. If there is a "hold" against any item--meaning someone else is waiting for it--you will not be able to renew it. We allow one renewal for all items, but some libraries do not allow renewals. If this is the case, or if you have tried to renew and have been unable to, please contact us. If the item has reached its renewal limit, we can call the lending library to ask if we can override and renew again.

Library FinesA charge of 10 cents per day, per item, will be levied on overdue material after a one-day grace period. All fines must be under $5.00 before a patron may check out items or receive a new card. This policy also applies to lost and/or damaged materials.